STC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 26-28, 2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 31, 2026

The call for presenters is officially open for the STC Annual Conference on October 26-28, 2026 in San Antonio, TX. This flagship event brings together hundreds of synthetic turf professionals and industry partners to share their insights, research, and innovations.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise and successes, share innovative ideas, and connect with leaders in the synthetic turf community. By presenting, you’ll position yourself as a thought leader and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.

KEY DETAILS

• Call for Proposals Deadline:January 31, 2026
• Event Dates: October 26-28, 2026
• Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA

TOPIC AREAS

As you create your proposal, please consider the following topics, which are focus areas for the conference program. While proposals may address more than one area, you must select the one which is the best fit. The example topics noted below are intended to help you develop/plan, but we welcome and encourage additional ideas as well.

Accessibility standards for playground surfaces

• AI and technology
• Business operations
• Drainage systems
• Government relations
• Heat and surface temperatures
• Labor and workforce issues
• Maintenance and longevity
• Marketing and communications
• Microplastics mitigation measures
• Performance testing and player safety
• Reclamation and recycling
• Specialty applications - residential, commercial, recreation
• Sports tourism and multi-field complexes
• Stormwater management
• Sub-base, aggregate types
• Sustainable design, installation and maintenance
• Third-party research and studies
• Water quality and conservation

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• Proposals should be non-proprietary and not company- or brand-specific.
• Presentation proposals must include a description that is a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 500 words; it must also include four learning objectives (i.e takeaways) and an idea of how you will engage the audience.
• No more than three (3) proposal entries can be submitted per individual. Each presentation proposal will need to be submitted as a separate entry.
  
• Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
• Research-based presenters may submit a paper to be included in conference proceedings.
  
• Accepted presenters are required to submit their PowerPoint presentations and any relevant materials (handouts, papers, etc.) by no later than July 31, 2026.
• Accepted member presenters are required to register and pay for the STC Annual Conference.
  
• Any spouses/guests will need to register and pay the applicable registration fee.
• Accepted presenters are responsible for all travel and hotel costs.

Proposal Acceptance

Proposals will be reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to the conference theme or objectives
• Value and impact to audience
• Innovation and sustainability for the industry (not company or product-specific)
  
• Expertise and credibility of speaker
  

All submitters will be notified of acceptance, regret or wait list status by March 31, 2026. Accepted presenters will also be notified regarding which presentation format they have been selected to give. 

Speaker Responsibilities

As an approved provider of education with the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) and The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the STC qualifies the educational content of its conferences so licensed landscape architects may earn continuing education credits.

Presentations must consist of learning experiences that enhance and expand the skills, knowledge, and abilities of practicing landscape architects to remain current and render competent professional service to clients and the public.

Presentations are planned in response to the learning needs of target audiences and include clear and concise written statements of learning objectives/outcomes. Speakers are required to include a minimum of three learning objectives/outcomes for each course.

Learning objectives/outcomes are written statements of what the learner is expected to accomplish as a result of the course. Following are some examples of learning objectives/outcomes:

• Learn how to determine the major functions and components of a synthetic turf system.
  
• Identify the factors that influence safety and performance.
• Learn how to utilize an integrated design process in your project for maximum benefit.

Presentations must use qualified instructional personnel in development and delivery; include content and instructional methods that are appropriate for the intended learning objectives/outcomes; and use materials that do not contain proprietary information, are educational and generic in nature, and serve to reinforce the learning objectives.

Speakers should have experience, knowledge, and credentials relevant to the course they are teaching. The speaker should not act as a salesperson to promote any products or services. All course content and materials must be educational, and may not be commercial. The promotion or discussion of proprietary information is strictly forbidden during the course.

All presenters are required to submit their final presentation to STC by no later than 4 weeks in advance of the conference date.

AIA CES Provider statement

The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 38838220. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES
(cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

Please see a staff administrator for the sign-up sheet and evaluation survey for each course you attend (required).

Accommodating People with Special Requirements

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PRESENTER Proposal Form

The Call for Presenters deadline is January 31, 2026. The Knowledge Committee will be pleased to consider all presentation proposals and will make their decisions by no later than March 31, 2026.